Abstract:Objective To study the effects of mechanical stimulation on proliferation activity and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) expression of sclera fibroblasts. Method The sclera fibroblasts from New Zealand white rabbits were obtained by tissue pieces culture method and identified with immunocytochemistry method, as well as tested by FX4000 Tension System (sine wave, 3% and 6% elongation amplitude, 0.1Hz, 48h duration). The proliferation activity and concentration of CTGF were measured by ATP based bioluminescence method and ELISA method, respectively. ResultsExperimental studies have shown that the proliferation activity of the scleral fibroblasts in 3% group (2.352±0.123) and 6% group (2.784±0.119) are significantly higher when compared with control group (1.901±0.092) (P<0.05), and the proliferation activity in 6% group is significant higher than that in 3% group (P<0.05); The CTGF expression of 3% group (control group: (0.291±0.118)μg/L, 3% stretch group: (1.623±0.276)μg/L) and 6% group (control group: (0.260±0.112)μg/L, 6% stretch group: (3.205±0.287)μg/L) are both significantly increased compared with each of their respective control groups (P<0.05). Conclusions Mechanical stimulation plays an important role in the proliferation activity and CTGF expression of scleral fibroblasts.